Drug Safety Update is essential reading for all healthcare professionals, bringing you the very latest information and advice to support the safer use of medicines.
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Hydroxyethyl starch intravenous infusion: suspension of licences
Results from large randomised clinical trials have reported an increased risk of renal dysfunction and mortality in critically ill or septic patients who received hydroxyethyl starch (HES) compared with crystalloids. The risks of HES products for plasma volume expansion outweigh the benefits in all patient groups and clinical settings.
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Diclofenac: new contraindications and warnings after a Europe-wide review of cardiovascular safety
Available data indicate that the cardiovascular risk with diclofenac is similar to that of the selective COX-2 inhibitors. Consistent with COX-2 inhibitors, diclofenac is now contraindicated in those with: ischaemic heart disease; peripheral arterial disease; cerebrovascular disease; or established congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association
[NYHA] classification II–IV).-
Cyproterone acetate with ethinylestradiol (co-cyprindiol): balance of benefits and risks remains positive—updated prescribing advice provided
Following a Europe-wide review of cyproterone acetate with ethinylestradiol (co-cyprindiol), the balance of benefits and risks of Dianette (brand leader) and its generics remains positive. To further improve the benefit-risk balance some important changes have been made to clarify the indication—these are discussed below.
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